Tesla being sued for $2 billion for patent infringement
By Robin-Leigh Chetty 2 May 2018 | Categories: NewsTesla's future vehicle plans may have hit a potential snag, with the company recently being sued by another motoring manufacturer for an alleged patent infringement. The organisation in question is Nikola Motor Company, which says that Tesla's upcoming all-electric semi truck infringes upon its hydrogen-powered technology.
The lawsuit sees Nikola Motor Company wanting $2 billion from Tesla, but the latter notes that, "it’s patently obvious there is no merit to this lawsuit," according to statement given by a spokesperson to The Verge. Nikola Motors refrained from giving a comment on the matter, citing the fact that it is currently being handled by the courts.
Nikola was founded in 2014, and showcased a similar electric truck concept to Tesla's version in May last year, and has plans to add a second large vehicle to its lineup. Also in the pipeline is a $1 billion factory that they wish to build in Arizona.
With Nikola the first revealing their own semi truck concept almost 18 months prior to Tesla, there could potentially be grounds for their patent suit. As such, this lawsuit may see Tesla being forced to pay up or risk losing the entire investment made into its semi truck to date.
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